England wing enjoys his award following a hat-trick against New Zealand after injury had nearly ruined career

“It’s all a bit mad this, isn’t it?” says Tommy Makinson as he tries to make sense of the latest outstanding moment in one of game’s more remarkable and unlikely rises to the top. Makinson has just been ushered into a room at Elland Road, where he will appear on Sunday with England seeking a series whitewash over New Zealand.

Without Makinson’s exploits last Sunday at Anfield – where he scored a magnificent hat-trick – there is a fair chance that Sunday’s Test would be a decider. The 27-year-old, who made his international debut in June, epitomises this new-look, vibrant England side better than most. He speaks well and with confidence and backs that exuberance up on the field with his performances.